Republic of Ireland v Belgium: All you need to know

WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE?

International friendly: Republic of Ireland v Belgium, Saturday 5.30pm, Aviva Stadium.

RADIO

Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport.

ONLINE

Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News App.

WEATHER

Wrap up warm if you're heading to the Aviva. It's forecast to be windy with sunny spells and widespread showers, some heavy. There's a chance of hail too with highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees.

NEW FACES ON AND OFF THE PITCH

The Christmas trees are back in the attic, Easter eggs line the shelves, and we're still waiting to learn who will be the new Ireland head coach. The FAI are expected to name their man by early April, but the well-liked John O'Shea looks like a safe pair of hands in the meantime.

The former Manchester United centre-half is in charge for the Belgium and Switzerland friendlies, bringing the sagely Brian Kerr back into the fold as technical advisor.

Their presence should bring some vibrancy to Saturday evening's friendly, with a few fresh faces looking to stake their claim.

In-form Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics, Lyon centre-half Jake O'Brien and Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz are all in O'Shea's squad, with Szmodics' inclusion of particular interest.

The Championship's top scorer is having a brilliant campaign at club level. He qualifies for Ireland through his Co Longford-born grandmother but international football has arrived late for Szmodics, who is now 28.

He pulled out of the Ireland squad last October due to family reasons and briefly looked like he might throw his lot in with the Hungarians.

Hungary manager Marco Rossi seemed to believe the attacker would declare for the country of his grandfather's birth, and has recently suggested Szmodics